Unloading System Handles Tricky Calcium Carbonate

A large U.S. plastics compounding manufacturer needed a bulk bag unloading system capable of discharging and conveying calcium carbonate with a bulk density of 30 to 80 lb/ft3 at flow rates up to 9,000 lbs/hr.

Metso BEST designed and manufactured a system that incorporates both standard and custom-made components. It based the design on the Model BBU heavy-duty 4000-lb-capacity bulk bag unloader with 1800-rpm ¾-hp vibratory-motor agitation.

Standard features include bag-transport frame, upper-bag-support frame, and heavy-duty rubber hopper isolators. System requirements also included a 20 ft3 storage hopper and 12-foot-long screw conveyor.

To offset the difficulty of conveying calcium carbonate and ensure optimum system performance, the company doubled the screw conveyor motor's normal horsepower and increased its shaft size. A two-ton electric-hoist-powered trolley and monorail were added to allow safe, easy bag changes. Finally, an easy-to-use control panel was designed and built into the panel shop.

More information is available by contacting Metso BEST, Brunswick, OH, at 800-827-9237 or by visiting www.bestvibes.com.